Roadway marking safety system

ABSTRACT

A roadway marking system includes a first set of markers adapted for placement along a roadway for displaying a first color to drivers to indicate to the drivers that they are proceeding along the roadway in the correct direction, and a second set of markers adapted for placement along a roadway to display a second color to drivers to indicate to the drivers that they are proceeding in the incorrect direction (i.e., against traffic) on the roadway. The system further includes a third set of markers adapted for placement along a roadway for displaying a third color to drivers to indicate to the drivers that lower speed or other cautionary measures are required, and a fourth set of markers adapted for placement along a roadway for displaying a fourth color to drivers to indicate to the drivers that they are approaching a change in roadway conditions, such as a merge, an exit, or an intersection. The sets of markers are used simultaneously, as appropriate, so that drivers continuously receive the maximum amount of information. Spacing between the third and/or fourth markers is varied to alert drivers as to the proximity of a cautionary zone or a change in roadway conditions, respectively.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application serial No. 60/177,806 filed Jan. 25, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to traffic safety devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to visual system of marking highways and other roadways that incorporates color coding with consistency, uniformity, and continuity to ensure safe travel by drivers, even under adverse driving conditions.

[0003] Conventional roadway marking systems utilize different colored lights and/or reflection devices to denote lanes of travel. These reflection device comprise reflectors, retro-reflectors, conventional lights, reflector strips, cat's eyes, and the like. However, these prior systems have been deemed sub-optimal for a wide variety of reasons. Most notably, these prior systems do not utilize multiple colors in a consistent manner to indicate changing roadway conditions, i.e., these prior system provide only very limited information to drivers concerning the boundaries of the travel lane or the proper direction of travel. In light of the large number of traffic accidents resulting in injuries and deaths each year, a need has been identified for a new and improved marking system for roadways that not only denotes the proper lanes of travel, but also provides drivers with additional information concerning travel and roadway conditions, and changes in same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a roadway marking safety system includes a first set of markers for placement along a roadway. The first set of markers is adapted for displaying a first color to a driver when the driver is traveling on the roadway in the correct direction. A second set of markers is adapted for placement along the roadway together with the first set and is adapted for displaying a second color to the driver when the driver is traveling on the roadway in the incorrect direction. A third set of markers is adapted for placement on the roadway together with the first and second sets of markers and is adapted for displaying a third color to the driver when the driver must exercise increased caution on the roadway. A fourth set of markers is also adapted for placement along the roadway together with the first, second and third sets of markers. The fourth set of markers is adapted for displaying a fourth color to the driver when the driver is approaching and traveling through a change in roadway conditions.

[0005] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for providing safety information to drivers traveling on a roadway includes displaying markers having a first color to drivers traveling in a correct direction on the roadway and displaying markers having a second color to drivers traveling on the roadway in an incorrect direction. The method further includes displaying markers having a third color to drivers traveling on the roadway when increased caution in driving is required, and displaying markers having a fourth color to drivers traveling on the roadway when a change in roadway conditions in imminent. The third and fourth color markers are displayed together with the first color markers when appropriate to roadway conditions. Spacing between consecutive third markers and consecutive fourth markers is controlled to alert the driver as to his/her distance from the cautionary zone or change in roadway conditions.

[0006] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a roadway is provided and includes at least one travel lane for vehicles. The roadway includes a plurality of first markers displaying a first color visible only to drivers of vehicles moving in a correct direction on the travel lane. The first markers spaced apart from each other and extending along the travel lane. The roadway also includes plurality of second markers that display a second color visible only to drivers traveling in an incorrect direction on the travel lane. The second markers are also spaced apart from each other and extending along the travel lane. A plurality of third markers are provided as a part of the roadway and are interspersed with the plurality of first markers. The third markers display a third color visible to drivers traveling in the correct direction on the travel lane when increased caution in driving is required. Preferably, the roadway also includes a plurality of fourth markers displaying a fourth color to drivers traveling in the correct direction on the travel lane when a change in roadway conditions is forthcoming and as the drivers travel through said change in roadway conditions in said correct direction. The plurality of fourth markers are spaced from each other along the travel lane at an interval that decreases as the drivers approach the change in roadway conditions moving in the correct direction.

[0007] The markers, themselves, are conventional and can take any of a wide variety of suitable forms. These suitable forms include reflectors, reflection tape, light sources, retro-reflectors, paint, or the like. Of course, the markers can be placed at any location on the roadway, along the berm or shoulder of the roadway, on signs or other markers along the roadway, or any other suitable, convenient, and effective location.

[0008] One advantage of the present invention resides in the provision of a new and improved roadway marking safety system and method for providing information to drivers.

[0009] Another advantage of the present invention is found in the provision of a roadway marking system and method wherein a maximum amount of information is presented to drivers at all times.

[0010] A further advantage of the present invention results from a system and method wherein multiple colors are used in a consistent and uniform manner to prevent confusion among drivers of all ages and skill levels.

[0011] Still another advantage of the present invention resides in the provision of a system and method for presenting useful safety information to drivers, even under adverse, low visibility weather conditions.

[0012] Still other benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains upon reading and understanding the following specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The invention takes part in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps, preferred embodiments of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and wherein:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a section of roadway incorporating a roadway marking safety system in accordance with the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a plan view of another section of roadway incorporating additional aspects of a roadway marking safety system in accordance with the present invention; and,

[0016]FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating use of a plurality of fourth markers to guide drivers safely from a first roadway to a second roadway.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for limiting same, FIG. 1 illustrates a roadway defined by first and second travel lanes L1, L2 separated by a median strip or wall M. The travel lane L1 comprises one or more sections or sub-lanes L1 a, L1 b upon which automobiles, trucks, and/or other vehicles travel in a correct direction S1 (the opposite direction S2 being incorrect for the travel lane L1). Likewise, the travel lane L2 comprises one or more sections or sub-lanes L2 a, L2 b upon which vehicles travel in a correct direction S2 (the opposite direction S1 being incorrect for the travel lane L2).

[0018] Each travel lane L1, L2 incorporates a roadway marking safety system and implements a roadway marking safety method in accordance with the present invention. A plurality of first markers M1 (each denoted by a triangle symbol in FIGS. 1 and 2) are placed along the lanes L1, L2 or otherwise so that these first markers M1 are visible to drivers traveling on the lanes L1, L2 in the respective correct directions S1, S2. The first markers M1 are each adapted to display a first color (e.g., green) to drivers of vehicles on the lanes L1, L2 proceeding in the correct directions S1, S2, respectively. In this manner, these drivers are continuously informed that they are within the lane L1, L2 and proceeding in the correct direction. The spacing between consecutive first markers M1 in the correct direction of travel S1, S2 as well as the particular location of the markers on or adjacent the lanes L1, L2, can vary, and it is not intended that the invention be limited to any particular arrangement of markers M1.

[0019] A plurality of second markers M2 (each denoted by an “x” symbol in FIGS. 1 and 2) are preferably also placed along the travel lanes L1, L2 or otherwise so that markers M2 are visible only to drivers traveling on the lanes L1, L2 in the incorrect (wrong) directions S2, S1, respectively. The second markers M2 are each adapted to display a second color (e.g., red) to drivers of vehicles on the lanes L1, L2 proceeding in the incorrect directions S2, S1 on these lanes. In this manner, these drivers are immediately and continuously informed that they are proceeding in the incorrect direction. The spacing between consecutive second markers M2 in the incorrect direction of travel as well as the particular location of the markers on or adjacent the lanes L1, L2, can vary, and it is not intended that the invention be limited to any particular arrangement of markers M2. It is, however, most preferred that a sufficient number of second markers M2 be used, and the spacing between consecutive markers M2 be short enough, so that a driver traveling against the traffic in the incorrect direction for a particular lane is sure to be notified of this fact as quickly as possible. Of course, the second markers M2 are designed and placed on or adjacent the lanes L1, L2 so that they are not visible to drivers of vehicles that are proceeding in the correct travel directions S1, S2, respectively. Correspondingly, the first markers M1 are designed and placed on or adjacent the lanes L1, L2 so that they are not visible to drivers of vehicles proceeding in the incorrect directions S2, S1 for the lanes L1, L2, respectively. For effectiveness and expediency, the first and second markers M1, M2 can be combined as an integral unit for placement on or adjacent the lanes L1, L2 of the roadway.

[0020] Referring now particularly to FIG. 2, examples of further aspects of a safety system and method in accordance with the present invention are illustrated. Except as otherwise noted and illustrated, the lanes L1, L2 defining the roadway are identical to those described above, and the sets of first and second markers M1, M2 are employed on or adjacent the lanes L1, L2 as described above to indicate the correct and incorrect directions of travel, respectively, to drivers. In addition to the first and second markers M1, M2, a set of third markers M3 (each denoted by a square symbol) are employed on or adjacent the lane L1 so as to display a third color to drivers traveling therealong in the correct direction S1. The third markers M3 display a third color (e.g., yellow) to a driver that is indicative of a need for the driver to slow down and/or exercise additional cautionary measures owing to the presence of a construction zone or other dangerous or tricky stretch of the roadway portion L1. These third markers M3 are preferably displayed to drivers moving in the correct direction S1 on the lane L1 as long as the driver's vehicle is approaching and/or traveling in the construction or other cautionary zone. In this manner, these drivers are reminded of the need to reduce their speed and/or otherwise exercise caution. Here, again, the spacing between consecutive third markers M3 in the correct direction of travel S1 as well as the particular location of the markers on or adjacent the lane L1 can vary, and it is not intended that the invention be limited to any particular arrangement of markers M3. Furthermore, the use of the third markers M3 preferably does not interfere with simultaneous use of the first and/or second markers M1, M2 together therewith.

[0021] Referring now to the lane L2, in addition to the first and second markers M1, M2, a set of fourth markers M4 (each denoted by a circle symbol in FIG. 2) are employed on or adjacent the lane L2 so as to display a fourth color to drivers traveling therealong in the correct direction S2. The fourth markers M4 display a fourth color (e.g., blue) to a driver that is indicative of an upcoming change in the state of the lane L2, e.g., a merge, an intersection, an exit ramp, a narrowing, etc. These fourth markers M4 are preferably displayed to drivers moving in the correct direction S2 on the lane L2 before the driver's vehicle reaches the change in the state of the roadway. Most preferably, as indicated in FIG. 2, the spacing between consecutive fourth markers M4, moving in the correct direction of travel S2, becomes shorter as the change in the roadway becomes more imminent. For example, as a driver of a vehicle moving along the lane L2 in the correct direction first approaches a merge that is 1 mile away, consecutive fourth markers M4 can be placed 50 yards apart moving in the direction S2; within a half mile of the merge, consecutive fourth markers M4 can be spaced 25 yards apart; and inside of a half mile, consecutive fourth markers M4 can be spaced only 10 yards apart. Of course, other spacing schemes are contemplated within the overall scope and intent of the present invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that, using a spacing scheme with varied distances between consecutive markers M4 as described will inform the driver: (a) that he/she is approaching a change in the state of the roadway; and (b) that the change is relatively near or relatively far away. Of course, as with the markers M1, M2, M3, the particular location of the fourth markers M4 on or adjacent the lane L2 can vary, and it is not intended that the invention be limited to any particular arrangement of markers M1. Furthermore, use of the fourth markers M4 preferably also does not interfere with simultaneous use of the first and/or second and/or third markers M1, M2, M3 therewith.

[0022] Use of the fourth markers M4 to guide drivers safely from a first roadway to a second roadway is illustrated in FIG. 3. The lane L2 includes an exit ramp ER that leads vehicles to a second roadway R2. Drivers traveling in the lane L2 in the correct direction S2 can pass by the exit ramp ER and continue in the lane L2, or they can direct their vehicles onto the exit ramp ER and to the second roadway R2. A roadway marking safety system in accordance with the present invention is employed to assist both the drivers that bypass the exit ramp ER and those who follow the exit ramp ER onto the second roadway R2. As illustrated by way of example in FIG. 3, first markers M1 are placed on or adjacent the lane L2 to display the first color to drivers traveling therealong (for simplicity, the second markers M2 used to indicate travel in the incorrect direction are not illustrated in FIG. 3). In addition to the first markers M1, fourth markers M4 are included on or adjacent the lane L2, before (upstream from) the exit ramp ER so that drivers will also encounter the fourth color that indicates the impending exit ramp ER. At the location where the exit ramp ER meets the lane L2, drivers will encounter two sets of markers: (a) a primary set PS not including the fourth markers M4; and (b) a secondary set SS that includes both the first and fourth markers M1, M4. By following the secondary set SS, drivers will know that they are traveling in the correct direction S2, but that they are following the exit ramp ER (or whatever roadway change is denoted by the fourth markers M4). On the other hand, by ignoring the fourth markers M4 altogether and following the primary marker set PS defined by the first markers M1 only, drivers will know that they are proceeding in the correct direction S2 and not following the exit ramp ER or other roadway change. As illustrated in FIG. 3, it is preferred that the fourth markers M4 be displayed to the drivers until they are safely traveling along the second roadway R2, at which time only the first markers M1 are further displayed.

[0023] The markers M1, M2, M3, M4 need not all be the same type of marker (even within each set), and each may take any of a wide variety of suitable forms as convenient or suitable for a particular application. Reflectors, retro-reflectors, paint, sign posts, cat's eyes, light sources, reflector tape or strips, and the like are examples of suitable marking devices or methods contemplated within the scope of the present invention, although it is not intended that the invention be limited to these marking devices/methods. Furthermore, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the particular colors noted above as examples for the markers M1, M2, M3, M4.

[0024] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the preceding specification. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations. 

Having thus described the preferred embodiments, what is claimed is:
 1. A roadway marking safety system comprising: a first set of markers for placement along a roadway, said first set of markers adapted for displaying a first color to a driver when said driver is traveling on said roadway in a correct direction; a second set of markers for placement along said roadway together with said first set of markers, said second set of markers adapted for displaying a second color to said driver when said driver is traveling on said roadway in an incorrect direction, opposite said correct direction; and, a third set of markers for placement along said roadway together with said first and second sets of markers, said third set of markers adapted for displaying a third color to said driver when said driver must exercise increased caution on said roadway.
 2. The roadway marking safety system as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising: a fourth set of markers for placement along said roadway together with said first, second and third sets of markers, said fourth set of markers adapted for displaying a fourth color to said driver when said driver is approaching and traveling through a change in roadway conditions.
 3. The roadway marking safety system as set forth in claim 2 , wherein said change in roadway conditions is at least one of a merge, an intersection and an exit.
 4. The roadway marking system as set forth in claim 2 , wherein said first, second, third and fourth sets of markers comprise a respective plurality of individual markers, and wherein said individual markers of said fourth set are spaced from each other along said roadway in said correct travel direction with an interval between successive markers that decreases as said driver approaches said change in roadway conditions.
 5. The roadway marking safety system as set forth in claim 4 , wherein each individual marker of said first, second, third and fourth sets is selected from a group of markers comprising a reflector, reflector tape, a light source, a retro-reflector, paint and a colored marker.
 6. A method for providing safety information to drivers traveling on a roadway, said method comprising: displaying markers having a first color to drivers traveling in a correct direction on said roadway; displaying markers having a second color to drivers traveling on said roadway in an incorrect direction that is opposite said correct direction; and, displaying markers having a third color to drivers traveling on said roadway when increased caution in driving is required.
 7. The method for providing safety information to drivers as set forth in claim 6 , wherein markers having said first color and markers having said third color are displayed simultaneously to drivers traveling in said correct direction on said roadway when increased caution in driving is required.
 8. The method for providing safety information to drivers as set forth in claim 6 , further comprising: displaying markers having a fourth color to drivers traveling on said roadway when a change in roadway conditions in imminent.
 9. The method for providing safety information to drivers as set forth in claim 8 , further comprising: displaying markers having said fourth color to drivers traveling on said roadway while said drivers are traveling through said change in roadway conditions.
 10. The method for providing safety information to drivers as set forth in claim 8 , wherein said markers having said fourth color are spaced from each other in said correct direction at distances that decrease progressively as said drivers traveling in said correct direction approach said change in roadway conditions.
 11. The method for providing safety information to drivers as set forth in claim 10 , wherein said markers having said fourth color are used to indicate to drivers one of an exit, a merge, and an intersection.
 12. The method for providing safety information to drivers as set forth in claim 8 , further comprising: simultaneously displaying markers having said first color and markers having said fourth color to drivers traveling in said correct direction on said roadway when a change in roadway conditions is imminent.
 13. The method for providing safety information to drivers as set forth in claim 9 , further comprising: simultaneously displaying markers having said first color and markers having said fourth color to drivers traveling in said correct direction on said roadway when a change in roadway conditions in imminent and when said drivers are traveling in said correct direction through said change in roadway conditions.
 14. A roadway comprising: at least one travel lane for vehicles; a plurality of first markers displaying a first color visible only to drivers of vehicles moving in a correct direction on said travel lane, said first markers spaced apart from each other and extending along said travel lane; a plurality of second markers displaying a second color visible only to drivers traveling in an incorrect direction on said travel lane, said second markers spaced apart from each other and extending along said travel lane; and, a plurality of third markers interspersed with said plurality of first markers and displaying a third color visible to drivers traveling in said correct direction on said travel lane when increased caution in driving is required.
 15. The roadway as set forth in claim 14 , further comprising: a plurality of fourth markers displaying a fourth color to drivers traveling in said correct direction on said travel lane when a change in roadway conditions is forthcoming and as said drivers travel through said change in roadway conditions in said correct direction.
 16. The roadway as set forth in claim 15 , wherein said plurality of fourth markers are spaced from each other along said travel lane at an interval that decreases as said drivers approach said change in roadway conditions moving in said correct direction.
 17. The roadway as set forth in claim 16 , wherein said plurality of first, second, third and fourth markers are all fixedly secured to said at least one travel lane.
 18. A roadway marking safety system comprising: a first set of markers for placement along a roadway, said first set of markers adapted for displaying a first color to a driver when said driver is traveling on said roadway in a correct direction; a second set of markers for placement along said roadway together with said first set of markers, said second set of markers adapted for displaying a second color to said driver when said driver is traveling on said roadway in an incorrect direction, opposite said correct direction; and, at least one of a third set of markers and a fourth set of markers adapted for placement along said roadway together with said first and second sets of markers, said third set of markers adpated for displaying a third color to said driver when said driver must exercise increased caution on said roadway and said fourth set of markers adapted for displaying a fourth color to said driver when said driver is approaching and traveling through a change in roadway conditions.
 19. The roadway marking safety system as set forth in claim 18 , wherein said change in roadway conditions indicated by said fourth set of markers is one of a merge, an intersection and an exit.
 20. The roadway marking system as set forth in claim 19 , wherein said first, second, third and fourth sets of markers comprise a respective plurality of individual markers, and wherein said individual markers of said fourth set are spaced from each other along said roadway in said correct travel direction with an interval between successive markers that decreases as said driver approaches said change in roadway conditions. 